June 30, 2009

Elk Grove police are warning firework stand operators to be on the lookout for counterfeit bills.

Police are aware of two cases in which people used counterfeit $50 bills to buy fireworks at two local stands, according to a department news release.

The crime is compounded by the target. Firework stands often are operated by non-profit groups trying to raise money for youth-based organizations, the release states.

Police offer these tips for preventing the passage of counterfeit bills:

- Be suspicious: Take time to look at and feel the money you receive.

- Check for obvious things like duplicate serial numbers.

- Be especially suspicious of older bills (those bearing pre-1996 designs) - or simply refuse them - and bills of larger denominations. Nearly all legitimate pre-1996 bills have been taken out of circulation and destroyed.

- Look at the bills in the light. The color-shift ink is very hard to fake. The security stripe and watermark are impossible to duplicate with an inkjet printer.

- Borders and markings should have clean, crisp lines and come to sharp points.

- If you believe you are receiving a counterfeit bill, call the police.

Anyone with information regarding the passage of counterfeit bills is asked to call Elk Grove police at (916) 714-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Callers to Crime Alert can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

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